Vive La France! Concert by Lexington Symphony
2024-09-28 19:30 (America/New_York) | Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 44106, United States
Antheil | McKonkey’s Ferry Overture
Ravel | Piano Concerto in G Major
Clayton Stephenson, piano
Berlioz | Symphonie Fantastique
All ages.
France helped America succeed in overthrowing a repressive monarchy which began what is known as the Age of Revolutions in a Global Context, 1760-1840. This program is inspired by the French influence on the success of the American Revolution, and also marks a turning in point in the revolution that France helped finance – Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware and attack of the Hessian mercenaries in New Jersey on Christmas Day.

Lexington's 1st Indigenous People's Day Event
2024-10-14 09:00 - 14:00 | Lexington Depot, 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
12-3pm: Free event will have music, dancing & storytelling
12-1 pm: Redhawk Singers & Dancers
1:15-2:15pm: Haudenosaunee Creation Story by Storyteller Tina Square

Diwali Spectacular
2024-10-19 16:00 - 19:30 | Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 44106, United States
Every year, Indian Americans of Lexington (IAL) puts on a Diwali event full of food, mehndi, multi-cultural performances, and of course a dance party for the audience to join in on the artistic expression.
This year with the 250 celebration approaching, Diwali feels even more important. Diwali is a time for Indians of all backgrounds to celebrate and commit ourselves to making choices that move us toward enlightenment and away from ignorance and vice. While the Indian community revels in its shared cultural history and experiences, our true sense of belonging comes from our willingness to care for each other despite our differences.
With belonging redefined in enlightened Diwali-inspired terms, this year we want to extend a special invitation to each of our fellow Lexington community members, regardless of background, to come and celebrate Diwali, 250 years of a America’s great multi-cultural experiment, and strengthen our bonds of belonging and cooperation as we head into November together.
Please join us at Cary Hall for a joyful dinner from Nirvana, learning, and making friends on October 19th from 4pm to 7:30pm.
Tickets are all-inclusive and are available here: https://www.indianamericansoflexington.org/tickets

Drone Show Event
2024-10-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Town Fields, Worthen Road, Lexington, MA, United States
Celebrate Light & Liberty with an unforgettable experience as Lex250 presents…Weekend of Light Drone Show Extravaganza! This event marks six months to go until the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and the start of the American Revolution, April 19, 2025.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL EVENT DETAILS

2024 Rising Star Quilt Show
2024-11-16 10:00 - 17:00 | Arlington Town Hall, 730 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA, 02420, United States
Don’t miss the 2024 Rising Star Quilt Show! Catch a rare glimpse of over 100 unique hand-crafted quilts that will be on display on November 16 from 10 am until 5 pm, and on November 17 from 10 am until 4 pm at Arlington Town Hall. In celebration of the upcoming Semiquincentennial, this year’s challenge theme will be “Freedom”. There will also be handmade items available for purchase in the boutique and a café selling beverages and baked goods. Tickets for this year’s raffle quilt “Triangle Party” will be available at the show. This colorful quilt, a collaborative effort by RSQ members, will be on display at our show as well. Back-by-popular demand this year are “Small Fiber Works.” These 5”x7” gems, hand made by members, sell for just $10 each and will fit easily into a picture frame or can be mailed. They make beautiful and affordable gifts.
Admission is $8; children 12 years old and under are admitted free. Visit RSQ’s website for more details.
Hope to see you there!

Voices on the Green: "Better Together"
2024-11-22 18:30 - 20:00 | First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Road, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
Voices on the Green, First Parish in Lexington’s live storytelling and music series now in its seventh season, is partnering with the Lexington 250 Celebrations Committee to present the first of four shows that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the conflict on Lexington’s green that is often considered the beginning of the war for independence. But prior to the flashpoint of April 19, 1775, the colonists in this town had realized that they were “better together.”
In today’s Lexington, and throughout its history, friendships, marriages, protest groups, sports teams, choruses, fraternal organizations, houses of worship, twelve-step programs, cultural affinity groups, advocacy groups, and governments all share the same commonality —they bring people together with the hope that more can be achieved together than alone. In the first of four shows celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Town of Lexington, our production will focus on how we are “Better Together” as shown in both historic and contemporary Lexington.
The show, featuring six storytellers and four musical performances, is hosted by award-winning spoken word artist Regie O’Hare Gibson. And for each show, Voices on the Green partners with a community organization carrying forward work that aligns with the performance theme. The community partner for this show is Lexington Lyceum Advocates, who are focused on re-energizing the spirit and synergies that come from people gathering in common space to promote dialogue and advance justice in our town. Join us to enjoy an evening when we are all “Better Together.” Doors open at 6:30 pm. All are welcome.
Learn more: www.voicesonthegreen.org

The Will To Live Concert by Lexington Symphony
2024-11-23 19:30 | Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 44106, United States
Ives | Three Places in New England 1st Movement
(The ‘St. Gaudens’ in Boston Common, Col. Shaw
& his Colored Regiment)
Nielsen | Symphony No. 4
Holst | The Planets
All ages.
Written in 1916, Nielsen said the word Inextinguishable sums up his Fourth Symphony – “the elemental will to live …. Music is Life. As soon as even a single note sounds in the air or through space, it is the result of life and movement.” These three works exemplify the human spirit that was America in the Revolutionary War. The Ives is a very local Massachusetts story. The Nielsen and the Holst were written in the same year and were influenced by what was in the air in WWI – again, humanity’s desire to live in Freedom from oppression and the forces of evil.

Holiday POPS! Kids POPS!
2024-12-06 16:00 - 20:30, 2024-12-08 03:00 - 15:00 | Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 44106, United States
December 6 & 8, 2024 Holiday POPS!
Kids POPS! 4:00 PM
Holiday POPS! 7:30 PM
Sunday matinee (Dec 8) 3:00 PM
With Lexington Children’s Chorus and New World Chorale. Program still to be developed.

Lex Lux - Illuminating Lexington!
2025-01-11 16:30 - 18:30 | Depot Square
Neighbors and visitors are invited to make their way to Depot Square with a lantern or flashlight to gather with others and enjoy a night of festive light-making activities and entertainment.
There will be a community light sculpture project, LED spirograph portraits, an interactive light display, campfire and hot chocolate, animated projection mapping onto the Depot building, and a group drone photo to capture it all!
Saturday night kicks off two weeks of illuminations along our Cultural District from East Lexington through to Worthen Rd.
Join us to bring light during the deep, dark time of winter & to celebrate our best and brightest 250th anniversary spirit!

The week beginning Jan. 6 is filled with lantern-making workshops M – F, 7pm @ Munroe Center for the Arts. These are free, but registration is requested (munroecenter.org/lexlux).

The following two weeks will continue with displays along Mass. Ave. leading up to the Chinese Lunar New Year.

munroecenter.org/lexlux

Lexington Pops Chorus presents "In Her Words, Songs of Courage, Unity and Freedom"
2025-01-17 19:30, 2025-01-19 15:00 | Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the battles of Lexington and Concord, The Lexington Pops Chorus presents “In Her Words: Songs of Courage, Unity, and Freedom”.
This concert, featuring eminent women composers, is highlighted by the chorus’s 2013 commission by Gwyenth Walker, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere”.
Also featured are;
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” by J. Rosamund Johnson/arr. Heather Sorenson
“Goin’ To Boston”, arr. Alice Parker
“Until All of Us Are Free” by Mark Burrows/ words by Emma Lazarus
“I Dream a World” by Rosephanye Powell/words by Langston Hughes
“A Psalm of Praise” by Mabel Daniels
“Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor” by Irving Berlin/words by Emma Lazarus
and much more!
Join us Friday, January 17th, 7:30 pm and Sunday, January 19th, 3:00 pm at Hancock Church, 1912 Mass. Ave. in Lexington. Concert tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Advance tickets may be purchased from members or online at www.LexPops.org (online service charge applies). EBT and WIC card holders may obtain free tickets by emailing Treasurer@LexPops.org. Please check our website, www.LexPops.org, for any questions or leave a message with Roseann at (781) 365-0576.
Lexington Pops Chorus is in its 43rd season and enjoys the enthusiasm of singers from over 20 towns. Maxwell Evrard is the chorus’s dynamic new conductor. David Owens, accompanist, is in his 20th season with the chorus. Lexington Pops Chorus is a member of The Greater Boston Choral Consortium.

2025 Lunar Chinese New Year Gala: An Enchanting Evening of East-West Cultural Tapestry
2025-01-18 19:00 | Lexington High School, 251 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA, 02121, United States
2025 Lunar Chinese New Year Gala: An Enchanting Evening of East-West Cultural Tapestry
Join us at the 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration Gala in Lexington. The event is hosted by Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL) in partnership with Lexington Symphony and Lex250. We have prepared an unforgettable evening of music, dances, and other cultural performances. After more than four decades establishing the Gala as a town-wide tradition, this year marks the first time the Gala’s theme is dedicated to bridging the East and West—embracing a shared hope for a bright and prosperous future.
Looking forward to 2025, this year brings with it the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the first battle of the Revolutionary War. In celebrating this milestone, Lexington will not only honor its past legacy but also celebrate the continuing revolutionary ideals of unity and inclusivity. In a nation built by immigrants, these ideals remain essential as we work toward a more perfect union.
As we are preparing to ring in the Year of the Snake, we invite you to join us for this spectacular event. Whether you are a long-time resident of Lexington or a visitor from afar, the gala promises to be a night of wonder and inspiration.
The event is supported in part by Community Endowment of Lexington, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Dana Hone Foundation. This town wide event is in partnership with Lexington Symphony and Lex250.
To purchase tickets, watch preview videos and for the latest updates, visit the website of 2025 Lunar New Year Celebrations: https://caal-ma.org/lny2025/buy-tickets/

3rd Annual MLK Day Concert: Voting with Purpose and Without Fear
2025-01-19 14:00 | Follen Church, 755 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
The Lexington Human Rights Committee is proud to be hosting a program about the Women of the Movement for the 2025 MLK Day Program. We cordially invite you to be our special guest at this annual tradition celebrating Martin Luther King’s legacy and the iconic human rights movement that continues to draw inspiration for people around the world. Loretta Ross is our speaker this year – thank you to Hemali Shah – Chief Equity Officer and Town of Lexington for supporting this incredible opportunity. Loretta is a seasoned human rights activist – most notable for her work in women’s reproductive justice and her vision for building human rights coalitions.
Proceeds benefit the ABCL Scholarship Fund
Sponsored by the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington
Tickets: $25 General Admission
Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Lex Lux Illumination at the Ellen Stone Building
2025-01-19 16:30 | Ellen Stone Building, 735 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Join the Lexington Lyceum Advocates and the Lexington Youth STEAM team for an animated *outdoor* light show projected on the Stone Building. Learn about national civil rights heroes and Lexington’s own abolitionists at a building where Lexington residents fought for justice. And while you watch, enjoy hot drinks and a campfire!
Sponsored by the Lexington Lyceum Advocates, Lexington Youth STEAM Team, Munroe Center for the Arts, Lexington Human Rights Committee, and the MLK Day of Service Committee.

Martin Luther King Day 2025: Women of the Movement
2025-01-20 10:00 - 12:30 | Grace Chapel, 59 Worthen Rd, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
Join Us for a Special Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Free and open to all!
Monday, January 20, 2025 at Grace Chapel, 10-12:30PM
Celebrate the courageous women of the Civil Rights Movement and their pivotal role in advancing our civil liberties. On the 30th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day as a National Day of Service, and the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Voting Rights Act, we honor the women whose contributions to justice and equality have often been overlooked.
RSVP is encouraged, not required (click this link)
✨ Event Highlights:

Keynote Speaker: Loretta J. Ross will be reflecting on the legacy of these trailblazing women. She is Associate Professor at Smith College, public intellectual, inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame this year, and is a 2022 recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Genius Award.

Exhibit: Walk through and discover key figures of the movement

Activator Fair: Learn and sign up to take meaningful action in our local community

This event is sponsored by the Lexington Human Rights Committee, Town of Lexington-Chief Equity Officer and in collaboration with the MLK Day of Service programming. Don’t forget the MLK Day Concert by ABCL on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Join us on January 20, 2025 as we come together to celebrate, remember, and take steps toward building a more just world.

Lunar New Year Celebration
2025-01-26 17:00 | Lexington High School, 251 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA, 02121, United States
CALex (Chinese Americans of Lexington) 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration
Come join us at Lexington High School for a fantastic celebration of the Lunar New Year on January 26, 2025, from 5:00 to 9:00 PM! We’re bringing the spirit of the Chinese New Year to Lexington with a lively event filled with cultural performances, delicious food, and exciting activities.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year with a spectacular showcase of enchanting music and captivating dance performances. Featuring performers aged 5 to 80+, the program highlights timeless classic songs, mesmerizing folk dances, a stunning violin ensemble, and surprise acts sure to leave you in awe. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of culture and talent!
Indulge your taste buds in a wide array of mouthwatering Chinese cuisine, including traditional dumplings, noodles, and other delightful delicacies. You’ll have the chance to savor the flavors of authentic Chinese dishes that will leave you craving for more.
Bring your family and friends along to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take part in various activities such as lantern-making, calligraphy workshops, and traditional games. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, from young children to adults.

The Fight For Freedom Concert by Lexington Symphony
2025-02-15 19:30 | Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 44106, United States
Hindemith | Mathis der Maler
Vaughan Williams | Sea Symphony
Aaron Engebreth, baritone
Michelle Trainor, soprano
New World Chorale
All ages
This program focuses on the fight. The Hindemith piece is built around Mathis the Painter’s Fight for Freedom in the 16th Century. One could say it was Hindemith’s thinly veiled protest against what the Nazis were doing in WW2. Hindemith based this work on the triptych painted by Mathias Grunewald in his struggle for artistic freedom in the 16th Century during the repressive policies of the Protestant Reformation. The parallel was all too easily recognized by the Nazis, and Hindemith escaped to the USA with his life. Ralph Vaughan Williams selected verses from American poet, Walt Whitman’s “Leaves of Grass” for the first three movements and from his “Passage to India” for the last movement of his Sea Symphony. Whitman uses images of brave sailors exploring the vast oceans as a colorful metaphor for the voyage through life of the human soul.

Dance Around the World
2025-03-08 18:00 | Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 44106, United States
Dance Around the World (DAW) is an event to celebrate the cultural diversity through an evening of International Folk, Classical and Pop dance.

The Cost Of Freedom Concert by Lexington Symphony
2025-03-15 19:30 | Cary Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave, Lexington, MA, 44106, United States
Still | In Memorium
Lidström | World Premiere
Mats Lidström, cello
Beethoven | Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”
All ages.
Composed in 1930, the Still work memorializes the forgotten black soldiers who died for our country during the Civil War. W.G. Still considered this piece an ode to the unfulfilled promise of true freedom for black Americans. We know that there were black patriots who fought in the Revolutionary War, seeking freedom for all Americans. In the Battle of Lexington, one of the most famous black patriots who died in the Battle of Lexington was Prince Estabrook. Cary Hall has the Estabrook Room, named in his memory. Mats Lidstrom’s composition focuses on a famous speech given by Robert F. Kennedy before he was assassinated during his bid for the American Presidency. The cost he paid for his beliefs is obvious. It is also a World Premiere. Beethoven’s Third Symphony was inspired by what began as the war to free the French from oppression, only to then go very wrong as its Hero, turned out to be completely self-interested. In the end, Beethoven’s belief in Mankind was his final focus in what became the “heroic” symphony.

15th Annual Lexington Open Studios
2025-04-05 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-04-06 11:00 - 17:00 | MA
Two Day, Indoor & Outdoor Event

Visit Artists in their studios Saturday & Sunday from 11:00 – 5:00
Artists will open their studios town-wide. See the map on our website for locations.
Munroe Center for the Arts’ Resident Artists will open their studios and host guest Artists
LexArt will host Member & Guest Artists

Learn More: https://www.lexingtonopenstudios.org/

Lexington Depot Museum Grand Opening and Open House
2025-04-12 12:00 - 16:00 | Lexington Depot, 13 Depot Square, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
In April 2025, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, Lexington Historical Society will become Lexington History Museums, and open a new museum in the very center of town! Our new museum, The Lexington Depot, will tell diverse and sometimes surprising stories of people who have lived, worked, and played here. Through displays and interactive exhibits, meet architects, farmers, activists, musicians, and others who have shaped our town through the years. Join us and discover our shared stories.
Ribbon cutting and opening remarks at 12:00 PM, followed by an open house until 4:00 PM.

Lex250 Patriots' Day Weekend Kick Off Press Conference
2025-04-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Lexington Battle Green Corner of Massachusetts Avenue & Bedford Street
Join Lex250, Local and State Officials as they kick off the Patriots Day 2025 events with a press conference in front of the Captain Parker Statue on the Lexington Battle Green

Ken Burns | The American Revolution
2025-04-17 12:00 - 13:30 | Battin Hall, Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
*All ticket winners have been notified via email. The event is full and no additional tickets are available.*
Click Here to read the full press release

Reenactment of Paul Revere's Midnight Ride
2025-04-18 22:00 - 23:00 | Hancock-Clarke House, 36 Hancock Street, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Lexington was preparing for battle long before British soldiers arrived on April 19th, 1775. The day before, Paul Revere and William Dawes, fellow Sons of Liberty, rode hard from Boston, arriving in town just before midnight. Their destination: the home of Reverend Jonas Clarke, cousin to patriot leader John Hancock. Their mission: To warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams of the impending British raid. Their arrival would start the chain of events leading to armed rebellion on Lexington Green at dawn the next day.
Start your Patriots’ Day early to see the alarm raised in Lexington! Join Lexington History Museums in partnership with the Lexington Minute Men for a live reenactment of the night’s events at the Hancock-Clarke House, complete with real horses!
FREE and open to the public!

Reenactment of the Battle of Lexington
2025-04-19 05:15 - 07:00 | Lexington Battle Green, Lexington Battle Green, Lexington, MA, 02421, United States
The Lexington Minute Men will conduct the 250th Anniversary Reenactment of the Civilian Evacuation of the Battle of Lexington and the Battle of Lexington on the Lexington Battle Green on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
According to the Lexington History Museums, on the night of April 18, 1775, over 700 British soldiers were sent from Boston to Concord to destroy a store of ammunition and other supplies for an anticipated war. As dawn approached on the fateful following morning, the town militia of Lexington stood in anxious anticipation to stand in their way. The two groups squared off on the town common, a single, mysterious shot rang out, and the British soldiers opened fire. When the smoke cleared, eight Americans lay dead, another 10 were wounded, and a war for independence had begun.
Each year, the Town of Lexington and a dedicated corps of reenactors recreate this event in real time on its original site. This year, the event will take place on the exact anniversary of the battle.
The passionate and committed groups of reenactors muster around 5 a.m., and the bell in the Belfry will ring and the Battle will commence at 5:15 a.m.
Attendees should arrive early!

First Baptist Church of Lexington Pancake Breakfast
2025-04-19 06:00 - 10:00 | First Baptist Church of Lexington, 1580 Massachusetts Ave., Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
First Baptist Church of Lexington is holding their annual Patriot’s Day Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 19th from 6 a.m.-10 a.m. “All you can eat” pancakes, sausages, orange juice and coffee. Adults $8 Children $5. Proceeds benefit local charities. First Baptist Church is located at 1580 Massachusetts Ave. Lexington, across from the Police station.
Tickets to be purchased at the door. Cash or Venmo.

111th Patriots' Day 5-Mile Road Race
2025-04-19 08:00 - 12:00 | MA
Race Details & Registration
Be part of a historic tradition by registering for the 111th Lexington Lions Patriots Day 5 Mile Road Race! Set against the backdrop of scenic Lexington on April 19, 2025, this event not only marks a significant milestone but also embodies the spirit of Patriots Day, a day steeped in American history.
This isn’t just a race; it’s a journey through time, celebrating 111 years of running, community, and tradition. Embrace the opportunity to run where history was made, and contribute to a noble cause – the Lions Club Journey for Sight program. Your participation helps us continue a legacy of service and community engagement.
Don’t miss this milestone event. Join us as we celebrate 111 years of historic runs, community spirit, and charitable impact. Secure your spot at the starting line and be part of history in the making!

USS Lexington Ceremony
2025-04-19 09:00 | USS Lexington Memorial, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, 02420, United States
Join us for a special USS Lexington Ceremony commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the historic clash that ignited the American Revolution​. On the morning of April 19, 1775, colonial militia and British Regulars exchanged the “shot heard ’round the world” on Lexington Green, marking the very beginning of America’s fight for independence​. This annual ceremony honors that legacy – not only remembering the patriots who fell in 1775, but also celebrating the enduring ties between the Town of Lexington and the five U.S. Navy vessels that proudly bore the name “USS Lexington” in later years​. In this Semiquincentennial year, the commemoration is especially meaningful, uniting historians, veterans, local residents, and visitors in tribute to 250 years of courage and sacrifice.
Hosted by:
The Lexington Lions Club, in partnership with the Town of Lexington. Veterans, Gold Star Mothers, and former crew member families of USS Lexington (CV-2 and CV-16) will be honored guests and participants​. Local dignitaries and officials will also be in attendance.
Location: USS Lexington Memorial – adjacent to the Lexington Visitors Center, 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA​. (Ceremony will take place outdoors, next to the Visitors Center in Lexington Center.)
Admission: Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome. No tickets or reservations required.
Accessibility: The memorial site is wheelchair accessible, and seating may be available for seniors/veterans. Visitors Center facilities (restrooms, information desk) will be open for attendees.
Ceremony Highlights
Commemorative Program: The ceremony will begin with a presentation of the colors and the National Anthem. A moment of silence will honor the patriots of 1775 and the naval service members connected to Lexington’s legacy.
Wreath-Laying: In a poignant tribute, wreaths will be laid at the USS Lexington Memorial to honor all who sacrificed – from the Lexington Minutemen who fell on the Green to the sailors who served on the five USS Lexington ships. This solemn wreath-laying is a central part of the observance each year, symbolizing our community’s respect and remembrance.
Guest Speakers: Attendees will hear brief remarks from invited speakers who bring personal and historical perspectives. Local historians will reflect on Lexington’s role at the dawn of the Revolution, while military veterans (including representatives of the USS Lexington CV-16 Association) will share what the name Lexington means to those who served at sea. Town officials and community leaders are also expected to speak, underscoring Lexington’s continued dedication to honoring its history.
Honoring the USS Lexington Legacy: A key theme of the ceremony is celebrating the service of the five naval vessels named Lexington​. The program will highlight stories from each ship’s history – for instance, noting the WW-II exploits of “Lady Lex” and the “Blue Ghost,” or recalling how the first Lexington was named for the very battle we commemorate​. By connecting these narratives, the ceremony paints a vivid picture of Lexington’s impact on American history both on land and at sea.
Community Involvement: The event will include patriotic music performed by the Lexington High School Band. Members of local organizations – from the Lexington Minute Men Company to the Lexington Veterans Association – will participate, standing alongside active-duty military representatives and public safety color guards. This joint involvement emphasizes the community-wide respect for those who defend our freedom.
As this is the Semiquincentennial (250th) anniversary, the 2025 ceremony may feature special recognitions. Keep an eye out for any historical reenactors or ceremonial salutes incorporated into the program to mark this once-in-a-generation milestone. The tone of the event will be both educational and commemorative – suitable for history enthusiasts and families alike. Attending the USS Lexington Ceremony is a chance to witness history come alive, and to be part of Lexington’s ongoing story of remembrance and patriotism.
Historical Background: Lexington’s Legacy from 1775 to WWII
The Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775 was the first battle of the American Revolution​. Facing a column of British Redcoats at dawn, Lexington’s minutemen bravely stood their ground; though outnumbered, their defiance sparked a war that would lead to American independence​. The heroism shown on Lexington Green resonated across the colonies and the world, embedding the town’s name in the annals of history. To honor that courageous stand, the young American navy christened one of its first warships USS Lexington in 1776, “renamed in honor of the courageous Lexington minutemen”​. This 16-gun brigantine captured multiple British ships before ultimately being overpowered off the French coast, demonstrating that the spirit of Lexington was present at sea in the Revolution’s earliest days​.
Over the next two centuries, five U.S. Navy ships would carry the name USS Lexington, each embodying the valor and fighting spirit of 1775. The second Lexington (a sloop-of-war launched in 1825) upheld American interests from the Falkland Islands to the coast of Japan in the 1800s​. The third, a Civil War timberclad gunboat, spearheaded Union river operations – fighting in key battles like Fort Donelson, Shiloh, and the Vicksburg campaign​. In the 20th century, the name Lexington reached new prominence with two famed aircraft carriers. USS Lexington (CV-2) – nicknamed “Lady Lex” – was built in Quincy, MA and became one of the U.S. Navy’s first fleet carriers​. In World War II, Lady Lex’s air squadrons scored a crucial victory by sinking the first Japanese aircraft carrier of the war (at the Battle of the Coral Sea), before Lexington (CV-2) was herself lost in that 1942 battle​. Her successor, USS Lexington (CV-16) – the “Blue Ghost” – was also built at the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy and commissioned in Boston in 1943​. The Blue Ghost earned an illustrious combat record in the Pacific, participating in 35 engagements and earning 11 battle stars and a Presidential Unit Citation for her service​. (In fact, more aircraft landed on Lexington (CV-16) than on any other carrier in history, a testament to her long service as a training carrier after the war​.) Through each of these vessels – from a Revolutionary War brigantine to a WW-II fleet carrier – the name Lexington has symbolized American perseverance. The annual USS Lexington Ceremony brings this remarkable legacy home, connecting the town’s pivotal Revolutionary moment with the bravery of sailors who served on the Lexington ships in later generations​.
The USS Lexington Memorial in Lexington
Located adjacent to the Lexington Visitors Center, the USS Lexington Memorial is a striking tribute that bridges local and naval history. The memorial consists of five granite markers, each dedicated to one of the five ships named Lexington, and “dedicated to the memory of those who served aboard” these Navy vessels​. Erected in 1988 through a joint effort by the Lexington Lions Club and veterans from USS Lexington (CV-2 and CV-16)​, the monument ensures that the service of all Lexington crews – from 1776 through World War II – is forever remembered in the heart of the town. Each stone marker bears a brief history of a USS Lexington, allowing visitors to reflect on the ships’ heroic exploits (for example, the Civil War gunboat’s valor at Shiloh, or the carriers’ Pacific triumphs) as they stroll through this small memorial park​. Fittingly, the USS Lexington ship’s bell is also on display at the Visitors Center next door, offering a tangible piece of naval history for visitors to see up close​. The memorial has become a beloved landmark—externally viewable year-round​—and a focal point for community remembrance. For decades, Lexington’s citizens and veterans have gathered at this memorial each Patriots’ Day to pay tribute. Every year on the Patriots’ Day holiday (the third Monday in April), the Lexington Lions Club joins forces with surviving crew members of USS Lexington (from the WWII-era carriers) to hold a remembrance ceremony​. This tradition carries on in 2025 with added significance, as the town marks 250 years since the battle that gave Lexington its name. The memorial stands not just as a record of naval history, but as a symbol of the town’s pride and the continuing bond between Lexington and the U.S. armed forces.
